Guide to Men’s Underwear
When you’re wearing comfortable and supportive underwear, the world is yours to conquer. In this guide to men’s underwear types, the Myer fashion team will help you choose the best options to suit your needs.
Keep reading to learn more about all the various underwear types, how to find the right fabric, features to look out for, top brands and washing tips. We’ll also answer all the most commonly-asked questions about men’s underwear
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Types of Men’s Underwear
To get started, we’ll take a closer look at the various men’s underwear types. From boxers to jockstraps to multi packs, Myer has all of your favourites covered.
Trunks
Trunks are a modern hybrid between briefs and boxer briefs, featuring a shorter leg and a close fit. This type of underwear for men offers a sleek look with just the right amount of coverage and support, making them a versatile favourite for many men.
- Pros: Supportive, stylish, great balance between comfort and coverage.
- Cons: May ride up on thicker thighs, slightly less ventilation than boxers.
- Best for: Everyday wear, men who want a fitted style under jeans or tailored pants. Myer has men’s trunks to suit your style and budget. Explore designs and brands for the ultimate in all-day support.
Briefs
Briefs are a timeless staple in men’s underwear, offering full front and back coverage with a snug, supportive fit. Designed to keep everything in place while leaving the thighs free, they’re perfect for everyday comfort.
- Pros: Supportive, lightweight, ideal under slim or tailored pants.
- Cons: Less coverage, can feel restrictive for some body types.
- Best for: Daily wear, men who prefer firm support, pairing with tighter styles.
Discover Myer’s collection of men’s briefs from leading designers including Calvin Klein, Bonds, Nike and more.
Boxers
Boxers are a relaxed, loose-fitting style of underwear that provide maximum breathability and freedom of movement. They offer full coverage and are often made from soft cotton or lightweight fabrics, making them a highly comfortable choice.
- Pros: Breathable, loose, comfortable for everyday wear or sleeping.
- Cons: Offer minimal support, can bunch up under slim-fit pants.
- Best for: Relaxed days, sleeping, or wearing under looser clothing. Myer offers many different types of boxers – from stretch briefs to loose-fitting cotton boxers. Explore our range of men’s boxers to find the perfect fit.
Jockstraps
Jockstraps are a minimal, athletic style of men’s underwear designed for maximum support and ventilation. They feature a supportive front pouch and elastic straps around the back, leaving the rear exposed for freedom of movement and breathability.
- Pros: Excellent support, breathable, ideal for sports or high activity.
- Cons: Minimal coverage, not suited for everyday comfort.
- Best for: Workouts, sports, or those who prefer lightweight, supportive underwear. Find comfortable men’s jockstraps from all your favourite brands at Myer.
Fabrics and Materials
When it comes to men’s underwear types, fabric choice makes all the difference:
- Cotton: The classic choice for everyday comfort. Cotton is breathable and gentle on the skin.
- Modal: A silky-smooth and breathable fabric made from beech tree pulp.
- Microfibre: A modern synthetic blend that’s smooth and stretchy.
- Bamboo: Naturally breathable and eco-friendly, bamboo fabric feels soft against the skin.
- Blends: Many modern underwear styles combine fabrics like cotton, elastane and polyester for stretch and wearability.
- Nylon: Lightweight and moisture-wicking, nylon is often used in performance underwear.
- Lycra/elastane: Typically added in small amounts to enhance stretch and support.
Features and Considerations
The features of your underwear can make a big difference in how they feel and perform throughout the day:
- Rise (low, mid, high): The rise determines where the waistband sits on your hips. Low-rise underwear pairs well with slim-cut pants; mid-rise suits everyday wear; high-rise offers more coverage and support.
- Waistband: Look for elastic waistbands that retain shape and resist rolling.
- Seamless designs: These minimise irritation by reducing rubbing and scratching.
- Pouch design: Many modern styles include contoured pouches for added support and space.
- Breathability: Fabrics with moisture-wicking technology help keep you cool and dry.
- Stretch: Stretchy fabric offers better freedom of movement.
How to Choose the Right Underwear
Follow these tips to get the right underwear to suit your needs:
- Consider your lifestyle: Choose breathable fabrics for active days and softer materials for lounging.
- Think about your body type: Select cuts that offer comfort and confidence. Trunks are good for lean builds, briefs offer superior support, and boxers allow the best room for movement.
- Try on different styles: Experiment with fits to find what feels best.
- Invest in quality: Durable materials and well-constructed seams last longer and feel better.
- Keep hygiene in mind: Change underwear daily and wash with care to maintain freshness. Below, we explore men’s underwear styles in more detail to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Everyday Wear
For daily comfort, choose underwear that balances support, breathability and softness. Look for fabrics like cotton or modal that stay cool and comfortable all day, and opt for styles that fit smoothly under your usual clothes.
- Best styles: Briefs or trunks.
- Key features: Breathable fabric, comfortable waistband, easy stretch for all-day wear.
Sports and Gym
For workouts and active days, choose underwear that offers firm support and moisture control. Performance fabrics like microfibre or nylon help wick away sweat and prevent chafing during movement.
- Best styles: Trunks or jockstraps.
- Key features: Moisture-wicking fabric, supportive pouch, stretch for flexibility, breathable design.
Hot Weather
In warmer conditions, choose lightweight, breathable underwear that keeps you cool and dry. Fabrics like bamboo, modal or microfibre help to regulate temperature and wick away moisture.
- Best styles: Boxers or trunks.
- Key features: Breathable fabric, moisture-wicking properties, minimal seams for ventilation.
Travel
When traveling, comfort and convenience are key. Choose underwear made from quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant fabrics like microfibre or modal. These will stay fresh longer and are easy to wash on the go.
- Best styles: Trunks or briefs.
- Key features: Lightweight, quick-drying fabric, odour-resistant, comfortable fit for long wear.
Durability
For long-lasting wear, choose underwear made from high-quality materials with reinforced stitching and flexible waistbands. Blends with elastane or nylon maintain shape and resist wear over time.
- Best styles: Trunks or boxer briefs.
- Key features: Strong seams, stretch fabric, colourfast materials, high-quality elastic waistband.
How to Care For Your Underwear
Follow these simple tips to keep your underwear in top condition:
- Washing: Use cold or warm water with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, which can damage fibres. Wash similar fabrics together and air dry when possible.
- Longevity advice: Rotate pairs regularly to prevent overuse and stretching. Avoid high heat in dryers, as it weakens elastic.
- Replacement frequency: Replace underwear every 6–12 months or sooner if fabric loses shape, elasticity or comfort. With the right care, your underwear will stay feeling fresh and comfortable for longer.
Men’s Underwear FAQs
How many pairs of underwear should I own?
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 10 pairs of underwear. This gives you enough for daily wear between washes, plus a few extras for travel, workouts or unexpected changes.
If you’re active or prefer fresh pairs more often, having a few additional styles (like performance or everyday options) can help keep your rotation comfortable and long-lasting.
How often should men replace their underwear?
Men should replace their underwear every 6 to 12 months, depending on wear and fabric quality. Over time, elastic can loosen and fabrics can lose softness or shape. If you notice fading, fraying or a loss of support, it’s time to refresh your drawer. Regularly updating your underwear ensures better comfort, hygiene and fit.
How do I choose the right size of underwear?
To find the right size, measure around your natural waist or just above the hips where your waistband sits. Use a brand’s sizing guide to match your measurement in centimetres or inches.
Your underwear should feel snug but not tight: waistbands shouldn’t dig in, and the fabric should sit smoothly without bunching. The right fit ensures superior support and a flattering look under clothes.
What’s the difference between trunks and boxer briefs?
Trunks and boxer briefs are similar in fit and support, but the main difference lies in the leg length. Trunks have a shorter cut that sits higher on the thigh, offering a streamlined look. Boxer briefs extend further down the leg, providing more coverage.
Both styles combine the support of briefs with the comfort of boxers. Your choice will ultimately come down to your own personal preference.
What is the difference between low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise underwear?
‘Rise’ refers to where the waistband of the underwear sits on your body. Low-rise underwear sits below the waist and pairs well with low-cut jeans or pants. Mid-rise is the most common style, resting at the natural waist for everyday comfort. High-rise sits above the waistline, offering more coverage and support around the stomach and lower back.